SUVA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) plans to change its sugarcane planting grant program to enhance the productivity of larger, more efficient sugarcane growers.

FSC Chief Executive Bhan Pratap Singh said the move comes after the previous grants aimed at smaller growers yielded limited results, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Monday.

Singh said there was also a need for a broader discussion within the industry to develop solutions for these growers.

The industry, once a backbone of Fiji's economy, is grappling with declining sugarcane production, shrinking profit margins for farmers, and escalating cost of production.

A combination of flooding, salt-water intrusion, soil erosion, and drought has led to a staggering 20 to 30 percent loss in sugarcane production over the years.

Data provided by the FSC showed there were 11,429 active sugarcane farmers in 2021, which reduced to 10,872 in 2022.

Singh said they are focusing on mechanization, and a trial is underway to increase farm productivity and raise yields.